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Published on: June 7, 2019
Longitudinal melanonychia induced by capecitabine
Taraneh Paravar1, Sharon R Hymes
1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA. Taraneh.paravar@uth.tmc.edu
Dermatology Online Journal
|December 3, 2009
Summary
Capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy, can cause various skin side effects. This report details a new adverse reaction: capecitabine-induced linear melanonychia, a nail condition not previously documented.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Capecitabine is an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) used for metastatic colon and breast cancers.
- It is also being investigated for gastric cancer treatment.
- Numerous cutaneous adverse effects are associated with capecitabine therapy.
Observation:
- This report describes a novel cutaneous adverse effect of capecitabine.
- The observed effect is linear melanonychia, a condition characterized by brown or black pigmentation of the nail plate.
Findings:
- To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of capecitabine-induced linear melanonychia.
- This finding expands the spectrum of known capecitabine-related dermatologic toxicities.
Implications:
- Awareness of this potential side effect is crucial for oncologists and dermatologists.
- Early recognition and management of capecitabine-induced linear melanonychia can improve patient care.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the mechanism and incidence of this adverse reaction.
